Chief Executive Officer - CNS05858
| Posting date: | 04 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £136,389.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 24 November 2025 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | CNS05858 |
Summary
Job Description
The Chief Executive is the Comhairle’s chief policy adviser and is responsible for the successful delivery of the outcomes the Comhairle wishes to achieve, ensuring that these impact positively the lives of communities across the diverse environments of the Western Isles. The Chief Executive is Head of Paid Service, with ultimate responsibility for our employees, and has responsibility for the efficient and effective management of the Comhairle’s resources. The Chief Executive provides the focus, drive and leadership to guide, inspire and support a committed workforce and ensure that all activities the Comhairle undertakes are sustainable, supportive, represent best value for money and make a positive difference to the lives and prospects of our residents.
We are seeking an individual with significant and demonstrable experience at senior level, with a proven track record of effective leadership of strategic change and innovation. You will have successfully navigated the challenges facing public services, delivering improvement through collaboration, clarity, and decisive leadership, based on your knowledge of Local Government.
A cornerstone of your success will be your ability to build trust and foster confidence across the Comhairle and with external stakeholders. Your leadership style will be defined by personal credibility, integrity, and excellent communication—enabling you to engage effectively with Members, employees, partners, and communities.
As Chief Executive, your office base will be in Stornoway, where you will lead the Comhairle’s Corporate Management Team, ensuring a unified approach to service delivery and organisational performance. Working closely with our team of Chief Officers, you will provide clarity of purpose, drive improvement, and champion innovation across all Council services.
Requirements
You will be a highly collaborative leader, interested in people and in developing their capabilities, and committed to cultivating a culture of empowerment, accountability, and excellence. Your energy, insight and commitment will inspire others to perform at their best and to lead change with confidence.
You will also bring strong financial acumen, with a clear understanding of the fiscal context in which Scottish local authorities operate and will be committed to the principles of good public sector governance. You will be confident in interpreting complex performance data and in deploying resources effectively to maximise value and impact. Above all, you will drive high-quality service delivery and ensure that our residents and communities experience public services at their very best.
The Western Isles are a unique environment in which to live and work. We want to make our islands even better. If you’re ready to join in leading us, shaping our future, inspiring our people, supporting our communities and serving with ambition and compassion, we look forward to hearing from you.
You should be educated to degree level or equivalent appropriate professional qualification and be able to provide evidence of continuing professional development.
The post attracts a salary of £133,530 plus Distant Islands Allowance of £2,859. Please be advised that the Chief Executive Pay Review is pending and an updated salary will be available shortly.
A relocation package of up to £8,000 is available if required. This post is politically restricted.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact, Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive at m.burr@cne-siar.gov.uk
Closing Date: Monday 24 November 2025
Interview Date: Week commencing 8 December 2025
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